In the past, I wrote extensively about George Rodrigue’s mixed medias. Usually he tacks large-scale silkscreen images of simple dogs onto the wall of our garage, painting, even doodling, on the heavy paper prints with unblended colors straight from the can or tube. He uses large brushes and works quickly, often painting a dozen pieces at a time. (See the post “Blue Dog: Mixed Media”)
Recently, however, he returned to his studio and painted a new series of these works on illustration board, creating a complete collection unlike his familiar mixed media style.
These combinations of silkscreen prints and acrylic paint, all from 2011, are smaller in scale, at 20×24 inches. Because they are on board rather than paper, the pieces frame well without glass. As a result, the texture and effect of these works closely resembles a painting on canvas.
Although combinations of paint and print, each of these mixed medias is one-of-a-kind, completely unique in its final form. George repeats themes of flowers, hearts, hurricanes, and oak trees, combined with the Blue Dog in colorful compositions.
These new works exhibit a significant amount of depth and detail, unusual within George’s large-scale mixed medias on paper. In both cases, however, his love of color and whimsy belie his serious approach. In at least one case, a ghostly dog appears barely visible within the trunk of a typical Rodrigue oak tree.
Painted with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in mind, George finished the last of these works this past weekend. They’ll be framed and hanging in the new location of his New Orleans Gallery in time for Jazz Fest, mid-April.
Wendy
George Rodrigue has a long history with Jazz Fest. For the whole story, see Part 1, featuring portraits of Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson and Pete Fountain; and Part 2, featuring George’s portrait of Al Hirt, as well as our favorites from other artists of the poster series
I hope you also enjoy “A Night at the Opera,” featuring Rodrigue’s artwork for the New Orleans Opera Association, plus much more, at this week’s Gambit’s Blog of New Orleans